Community zoonoses prioritization (CZP): A One Health tool integrating participatory epidemiology and multicriteria...

Zoonotic diseases impose a major burden on low- and middle-income countries, yet efforts to target limited resources effectively depend on prioritization tools that lack community input or are difficult to adapt to local contexts. The Community Zoonoses Prioritization (CZP) tool was developed to address this gap by combining the inclusivity of Participatory Epidemiology (PE) with the structured analytical logic of Multicriteria Decision Analysis (MCDA).

This paper introduces the conceptual foundations, procedural steps and analytical approach of the CZP tool, outlining a standardized six-step process for guiding community groups through: (1) health problem mapping; (2) zoonoses listing; (3) selection and weighting of prioritization criteria; (4) scoring via consensus; (5) action planning; and (6) contextual reflection. Sessions employ visual aids, proportional piling, and a scoring matrix to ensure both accessibility and analytical rigor. Implementation of the tool in one district is included to illustrate practical application, data capture, typical outputs, and considerations for aggregating across community groups.

Application of the tool demonstrated that the full CZP process can be delivered within a single session and implemented effectively with non-specialist audiences, including those with low literacy levels. The method generated structured outputs-including weighted criteria, disease scores, and ranked lists-that are suitable for analysis, reproducibility assessment, and, where appropriate, aggregation across groups. These observations indicate that the CZP functions as intended in field conditions and yields interpretable, policy-relevant prioritization information.

The CZP complements expert-driven frameworks by introducing a robust bottom-up mechanism that can integrate community perspectives into One Health decision making. The tool offers researchers, policymakers, and practitioners a replicable pathway for embedding meaningful community engagement in work plans, supporting more equitable and inclusive One Health interventions.